Two Rivers Ministries

Two Rivers Ministries is beginning a new adventure with the addition of a children’s home in Cairo, IL. 

Hannah’s house will be a ministry for at-risk kids to experience family, hope, and peace while uncovering God’s unfailing love for them and His desire for them to be a part of His big dreams for this world.

The Vision

What is this thing you have called us to, Lord? A children’s home in Cairo? Is this a place for Foster kids? Is this a place for kids to stay in case of an emergency? Or is this just a house the kids in town know they can come over to, to get some encouragement and juice? I’m still seeking You Lord, for whatever You desire this to be. But You have given us a house, and You have stirred my heart for Your desire for kids to know the sweetness of belonging to Your family, to know You as the greatest Father, and to know that they can be used by You for Your kingdom.

So here I am, Lord. Ready to see you Work. Ready to get out of Your way and watch how you touch others through this scruffy little home. Truly this is all in Your hands, Father. I know, Lord this house is just the beginning of something so much bigger…a sneak attack…to touch the lives of children who will run after You, and to touch the lives of others who will be inspired by them.

I see how this house is like my heart, Lord. It looks so broken and bruised by the world, but You see a Kingdom opportunity, if it’s just put in Your hands. So here’s the house, Lord and here’s my heart. Build a house after Your own heart, Lord. Just show us all the part we play in this little dream of Yours.           Your forever kid, Sara

Get Involved

First things first.  As we continue to seek God’s face for how this home will function logistically, we are faithfully stepping out to get the house ready.  Knowing that this whole endeavor is truly the Lord’s, we invite all who desire to be a part of what He is doing, to join Him.   There are many ways that you, your church, a youth group, small group, or even a family can be a blessing to this scruffy little house that sits on God’s heart.  So I invite you to dream away, be prepared to stretch yourself, and watch God build in the way he delights the most, through His people!

Sweat.  Hannah’s house needs a bit of a pick-me-up.  Individuals or groups can help with indoor and outdoor painting, plumbing, electricity, yard work, gardening, and carpentry.  Schedule a trip to Cairo to break a little sweat, pray, and get to know this unique river town.

Hug.  There’s no better way to celebrate a new home than to fill it with a little love.  Individuals or groups can plan a trip to Cairo to lead fun events or activities for the kids in town.  Does your women’s small group want to host a slumber party at the house for Cairo girls?  Does your youth group want to throw a block party for Cairo youth here on 26th street?  Let the creative juices churn and chat with a Two Rivers staff about planning a trip to pray and give out some free hugs.

Give.  There are a variety of ways that an individual, church, youth group, or small group can give to Hannah’s house.  We encourage you to check our website for updates on ideas for giving, special “adopt a room” decorating mission trips,  and pressing needs as they arise, http://www.tworiversweb.com/.  Here’s a few ideas to wet your whistle.  Please only give as the Lord leads.

Prayer.  Always the most important gift you could offer up for Hannah’s house.  Ask the Lord for provision, direction, and His will to be done! Check the website for prayer updates.

Adopt a room.  Sign up as a group to bring some life to a room in Hannah’s house. Collect items to create a babies’ room, a toddlers’ room, or a small child’s room.  For an added bonus, plan a trip to Cairo to put your room together and enjoy the fruit of your labor!

Kid’s stuff.  Collect and donate resources for the kids.  Let your imagination run wild.  You could donate toys, stuffed animals, your favorite children’s book with a note inside about why it’s special to you, outdoor equipment like balls, jump ropes, slip n slides, blankets, photo albums for the kids, board games, puzzles, family friendly videos/DVDs, children’s CDs, arts and crafts supplies, cooking kits, educational resources (especially for reading skills), etc.

Finances.  It may not seem as fun as collecting stuffed animals, but financial donations are truly a great blessing to Hannah’s house.    Through them utility bills will be paid, staff will be able to live in the house and devote all their time to ministering to the kids throughout the year, and the longevity of the ministry is supported.

Hannah’s House Updates